Allentown City Council has formed an ad hoc committee to
look into how to collect more payments in lieu of taxes from area non-profits.

Councilwman Jeanette Eichenwald, who suggested the group,
will serve on the committee as well as Councilmen Jeff Glazier and Ray O’Connell.

By law, non-profits such as hospitals and universities, are
exempt from paying real estate tax, but they can opt to contribute payments in
lieu of taxes to assist municipalities where they are located. The committee
will investigate creating a program to solicit and collect such contributions.